(KPL) Yesterday witnessed members of the National Assembly (NA) from different constituencies raising questions at the ongoing 7th Ordinary Session of the national legislative body asking relevant authorities to seek solutions to problems people are facing.

Chaired by NA President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, yesterday’s meeting focused its discussion on the performance of the National Assembly over the past six months, or since its 6th Ordinary Session, and plans for the 8th Ordinary Session.

Mr Korlakan Phoummavong, a NA member for Luang Prabang Province said, “People have been calling the National Assembly’s hotline asking the national legislative body to address their problems. If problems are not addressed in a justice manner, they will post comments, and don’t want to call the hotline anymore. So I call on the inspection committee of the National Assembly to make sure whether the problems can be solved or not”.

Mr Khamchan Sotapasert, a NA member for Oudomxay Province asked the government and relevant ministries to address economic difficulties. “Today, we continue to use a lot of goods from other countries, spend foreign currencies everyday to buy goods from overseas and see people crossing to Thailand to spend the baht (Thai currency). We should resolve it by popularizing the use of Lao goods, promote border trade, among others.”

Mr Souvanny Xaixana, a people’s representative from Bolikhamxay Province said: “We should speed up addressing pressing problems with foreign currencies, labour, rising goods prices, economic and financial difficulties, education, trade balance.

He asked NA to inspect and find the roots cause of the problem and possible solutions.

Mr Khamsing Xaysompheng, a lawmaker from Saravan Province urged solutions to problems on state budget constraints, economic development, poverty reduction and development in remote areas.

Mr Kongphet Keobuapha of Luang Namtha constituency raised questions about the punishment of corrupt officials or law violators, and the handling of people’s complaints by relevant authorities.

Mr Sikham Bounmixay of Huaphanh constituency said that people are calling for solutions to inflation issues, economic difficulties. They are calling on the National Assembly to monitor and find out if it can address the issues and visit remote areas as it failed to do so in the past. 

Mr Bounmy Phimmasone, a NA member from Khammuan province asked NA to resolve issues with respect to the mishandling of drug cases in the central province.

Mr Somchit Hablakone, a NA member for Phongsaly Province said, “Today, the problem we are facing is our lack of collaboration. How can our law enforcement be strict? If law is not implemented, we should make a consideration. For instance, public investment is successful while that of private companies is not and nobody inspects. NA should address this problem.”

KPL